Ncikazi confident Arrows will reap the rewards of his five-year journey at Pirates

Ncikazi was on the bench for the first time since his return to Arrows this past weekend, as they lost 1-0 to a high-riding AmaZulu side in a Betway Premiership match at Princess Magogo Stadium. At Pirates, he coached in the CAF Confederation Cup final, the CAF Champions League semifinal, and won the league title and several domestic trophies. He says this is the experience he’s bringing to Arrows.

"I was going through the archives of how much I have grown as a human being, as a coach, and as a man – the success, the memories, the downfalls, because the fact that you're successful does not mean you don't go through rough patches. But it also makes you aware of the world outside," said Ncikazi.

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"That's why I will forever be grateful to Pirates. I don't think there is a coach who has experienced such success in the history of what I have gone through. But again, then go challenge yourself, try and teach what you think you know to the next generation of young players."

Arrows’ highest league finish was fourth place, and it was Ncikazi who achieved it. Now, KwaZulu-Natal has the most teams in the league, and he feels this is the opportune time for teams from the province to challenge for honors.

Ncikazi was also asked about his time at Pirates and whether staying in Johannesburg without his family influenced his decision to return home, and he was very measured in his response.

Ncikazi will be on the bench for his second game tomorrow, and it’s a stronger test as they face Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout. They had a promising run in the MTN8 but were ousted by the same club in the semi-finals on an away-goal rule. One player he'll rely on is last season’s top goalscorer, Junior Dion, and he has a very interesting challenge for him.